1.e4 c5 2.Bc4?!

I've been seeing this move a lot vs. my Sicilian. Anybody know if it has a name? Can't find one in any of the sources I've checked.

Originally posted by sundown316
I've been seeing this move a lot vs. my Sicilian. Anybody know if it has a name? Can't find one in any of the sources I've checked.

Originally posted by sundown316
I've been seeing this move a lot vs. my Sicilian. Anybody know if it has a name? Can't find one in any of the sources I've checked.

Originally posted by sundown316
I've been seeing this move a lot vs. my Sicilian. Anybody know if it has a name? Can't find one in any of the sources I've checked.

Originally posted by caissad4
It is called the Leonhardt variation.

2.Bc4 is questionable. I believe it's popularity at the lower levels is due to players following an opening system that they use against anything. White is probably trying to achieve this set up:

Originally posted by KnightStalker47
2.Bc4 is questionable. I believe it's popularity at the lower levels is due to players following an opening system that they use against anything. White is probably trying to achieve this set up:

[fen]rnbqkbnr/pppppppp/8/8/2B1P3/2NP1N2/PPP2PPP/R1BQ1RK1 w - - 0 1[/fen]

Originally posted by caissad4
2. Bc4 is transitional. If white follows (after 2...e6) then 3.Nf3 and black replies Nc6, d6, or a6 then white plays d4 and we arrive at the line played by Robert Fischer. For many years Bc4 was considered an ineffectual move until that crazy American started beat grandmasters with it.

Originally posted by caissad4
2. Bc4 is transitional. If white follows (after 2...e6) then 3.Nf3 and black replies Nc6, d6, or a6 then white plays d4 and we arrive at the line played by Robert Fischer. For many years Bc4 was considered an ineffectual move until that crazy American started beat grandmasters with it.

Very popular at the lower levels where White is going for Scholars Mate.
Over 200 examples of White mating on f7 with a Queen aided by the Bishop.

This one is where Black plays 2...e6 blunting the Bishop's sword. (very painful!)
However such moves do not put off a determined a RHP player from hitting f7.

BraynyB - Fozzil RHP 2012

I see 2.Bc4 a lot also against the Caro-Kann, it is known as the Hillbilly Attack.

It would be better known as the Silly Billy Attack v. the CK

I've been 1 e4 c5; 2 Bc4 used by strong club-level amateurs. It's usually a move-order finesse with 3 f4 and GPA-style set-ups to follow. But poor against well-prepared opponents when 2...e6 and 3...a6 give Black an easy life

I play 2...e6 against 2.Bc4 in order to try and play a fast d5, show that White's 2nd was a waste of time.

I think 2...Nc6 is best, followed by 3...e6.

Originally posted by DeepThought
I'm skeptical about your line of play, at least after 3. ... a6:[pgn]1. e4 c5 2. Bc4 e6 3. Nf3 a6 4. d4 b5 5. Be2 {and definitely not 5. Bb3} Bb7 [/pgn]looks nice for black.